Written For Our Learning

Dear class,

Today's reading is taken from Genesis 43-45 and Romans 15:1-13.

Romans 15 starts by concluding the argument in the previous chapter and once again reminds Christians that all who will obey will be accepted of God, Jew or Gentile. 

Amongst the passage is Rom 15:4, the oft quoted verse with regards to the Old Testament.

Paul thought it necessary to remind the reader again that the Old served a purpose. Sure, the Old Law did not apply anymore, but it was there for a purpose and alongside the Prophets still stood for a good purpose. This remains an oft confused concept when we tell some that the Old Testament doesn't apply in the Christian dispensation.

Notice that it was for our "learning". Paul wrote earlier in 1Cor 10:11 that they (the Old Testament writings) were to be "ensamples", "written for our admonition". And indeed, with so many examples before us, truly we should not fall into the same mistakes that the people before have committed. On the positive side, we should emulate what is praiseworthy to God and continue to teach our children so. Just in the book of Proverbs alone, we see a rich treasure trove of wisdom even echoed in the writings of other cultures. The wisdom from God is timeless! Truly, as the prophet Isaiah wrote, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Is 40:8)

Then Paul writes of the "patience" and "comfort" of the Scriptures. The Greek word translated as "patience" here is hupomone. Perhaps clearer rendered here as enduring or constancy. Truly as James wrote of our Father in heaven, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (Jam 1:17) Paul reiterated in Heb 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.". It is the unchangeability of God that gives us the iron clad assurance and comfort, that what God has promised, he will do! Such a far cry from this fickled minded world, fraught with deceit and hypocrisy every turn of the way. Perfect comfort can only come from above! (2Co 1:3,4) And we have access to this comfort through His Word.

Finally, this is where we find "hope". Paul earlier wrote of this in 8:24 - we are saved by hope! An eager looking forward and anticipation. A hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus. (Ti 1:2) A hope laid up for us in heaven (Col 1:5). A blessed hope that is both sure and stedfast (Ti 2:13; Heb 6:19). What a great comfort! What a great blessing!

Let us then continue to be encouraged by the Word that we may look forward to that Day with comfort and surety.

In Him

Paul

--

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ~ Romans 5:8